SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Adani Defence, having secured a major order for its Larger Drishti-10 MALE UAV from the Indian Navy, Adani Defence is now setting its sights on increasing domestic participation in its Drishti-6 tactical UAV program.

The Drishti-6 is a medium-sized, multi-payload UAV based on the Elbit Systems Hermes 450. Adani Defence has been part of the Hermes 450’s global supply chain since 2016, bringing valuable experience to the table.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed details about a groundbreaking underwater vehicle, the High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV). This mini-submarine boasts impressive capabilities, making it a valuable asset for India’s maritime security and research endeavours.

The HEAUV’s key strengths lie in its long endurance, autonomous operation, and diverse mission capabilities. This underwater drone can operate for extended periods without human intervention, ideal for long-range missions. Autonomous ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions are a major strength, allowing for covert data collection without risking personnel. The HEAUV is also equipped for limited combat capability, offering an additional layer of strategic flexibility.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

People familiar with the program told idrw.org that India is poised to take a significant leap in air defence capabilities with the upcoming inflight trials of the Astra Mk3 air-to-air missile, according to informed sources. These trials are expected to begin later this year or early next year.

The news comes on the heels of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) year-end review in 2023, which highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) impressive progress in air-to-air missile technology. While details remain classified, the review mentioned the successful testing of a cutting-edge air-to-air missile powered by a revolutionary “Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)” propulsion system. This successful 2022 flight test of the SFDR booster paved the way for further advancements.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) remains committed to developing its Software Defined Radio 1 (SDR-1) for the Tejas MkII fighter program. This comes despite the recent maiden flight of the upgraded Tejas Mk1A, which was equipped with the Israeli-made B-NET SDR radio.

The HAL-developed SDR-1 has officially entered the testing phase, signifying progress towards integration into the Tejas MkII. This domestically produced solution aims to provide advanced communication capabilities for the next-generation fighter.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defense, and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have successfully concluded a joint research project. This collaboration focused on Visual SLAM-based GNSS Augmentation for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Robotics.

The project, titled “Project Arrangement Concerning the Visual SLAM-based GNSS Augmentation for UGV/Robotics between Japan and India,” aimed to develop a cutting-edge navigation system for autonomous military vehicles. The collaboration involved ATLA’s Future Capabilities Development Center and DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, is gearing up for a crucial phase of testing. After completing its maiden flight last month, the aircraft will now head to the Pokhran range for a series of weapons tests.

These tests are essential due to the significant upgrades incorporated into the Tejas Mk1A. A key change is the adoption of the advanced EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Elta Systems. This new radar necessitates the revalidation of weapons that rely on radar guidance for the Mk1A to achieve operational clearance.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to bolster its mobile firepower, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army issued a tender last year (November 27, 2023) for the acquisition of 200 new self-propelled howitzers equipped with 105mm guns. This initiative emphasizes the Indian government’s push for indigenous defence solutions.

The primary objective of this procurement is to equip the Indian Army with modern and mobile artillery systems for high-altitude border regions. These self-propelled howitzers will offer greater operational flexibility and firepower compared to traditional towed artillery, especially in challenging mountainous terrain.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Recent events in the Ukraine conflict have sent ripples through the Indian Navy, prompting a strategic rethink to address the growing threat posed by sea drones. The successful deployment of explosive-laden drones by Ukraine against Russian warships has highlighted the vulnerability of even large vessels to these low-cost, unconventional weapons.

Traditionally, destroyer-type ships have served as protectors against smaller, faster torpedo boats, safeguarding larger vessels like battleships. However, the rise of sea drones challenges this established dynamic. The Indian Navy, along with other major naval forces, is now forced to adapt its strategies to this new and evolving threat.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially confirmed the development of the Arjun MkII, the next iteration of India’s indigenously developed main battle tank (MBT). This announcement comes after the successful order of the Arjun Mk1A variant by the Indian Army.

Defence experts familiar with the program told idrw.org and shed some light on the rationale behind the Mk1A. They explain that the Mk1A served as a bridge between the older Mk1 variant and the more extensively upgraded MkII. The significant changes envisioned for the MkII necessitated the creation of the Mk1A as an interim solution.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) annual report for 2022-23 sheds light on a crucial development for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program: the Swayam Raksha Kavach Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. This article explores the details of this vital system and its significance for the LCA Mk1A.

The name “Swayam Raksha Kavach” translates to “Self-Defense Armor,” aptly reflecting the suite’s role in protecting the LCA Mk1A from electronic threats. Developed domestically, the suite integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance the aircraft’s survivability in modern warfare scenarios.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is poised to take a significant step towards modernizing its artillery capabilities with the imminent release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new 155mm/52 calibre towed gun system, as People familiar with the matter informed idrw.org. This news follows an earlier Request for Information (RFI) issued in December 2022.

The RFI emphasized the Indian Army’s commitment to self-reliance by mandating procurement from local industry. This move aligns with the government’s push for “Make in India” initiatives in the defence sector.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully test-flown the first production variant of its Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program. However, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans for the Tejas program continue to evolve.

While the IAF is expected to formally order an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets later this year, their desire for even more advanced capabilities is driving discussions for further modifications. These proposed changes could potentially lead to the designation of a new variant – the Tejas Mk-1B.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

According to a recent Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, India is developing a new Long Range Surface Air Missile (LRSAM) system designed to neutralize airborne threats at extended ranges. This weapon system will be a welcome addition to the Indian Navy and Air Force’s arsenal, bolstering their ability to counter a wide array of aerial attacks.

The LRSAM system, being indigenously developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), boasts impressive capabilities. It’s envisioned to effectively engage not only high-flying aircraft and ballistic missiles but also low-flying, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and even anti-ship ballistic missiles. Design reviews for crucial sub-systems and rocket motors are reportedly complete, signifying significant progress in the development process.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently articulated a bold vision during the Times Now Summit themed “India Unstoppable.” His announcement centred around the exploration of opportunities to export indigenous engine technologies developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

During his address, Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed that he had instructed DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and HAL to investigate the feasibility of exporting the Kaveri and F-414 engines. This directive marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence strategy, emphasizing not only the aspiration for self-sufficiency but also the ambition to emerge as a global exporter in the aerospace domain.